Instagram notifications on your iPhone are controlled from two areas: the app itself and the Settings app that covers iOS as a whole. Turn on notifications and you'll be alerted almost instantly whenever anything happens on your Instagram feed, such as a new comment, like or tag. When you first install Instagram you're prompted to enable or disable push notifications, and this setting can also be changed later.

From iOS Settings

Launch the Settings app from the iPhone home screen and choose "Notification Center" then "Instagram." The subsequent screen enables you to turn notifications on or off and determine how they appear on your device. You can also set up badge icon notifications, notification sounds, and Instagram alerts in the main Notification Center for iOS. The final option enables displaying Instagram notifications on the iPhone lock screen.

From Instagram

The Settings app controls whether or not notifications appear at all, but the options within Instagram control the type of notifications that are shown. Tap the profile icon of a dot with three lines on the toolbar, then the cog icon to access the Options screen. Choose "Push Notification Settings" to make changes to the type of notifications you receive and whether or not they're limited to only the people you follow.

Version Disclaimer

Information in this article applies to iOS 7.0.3 and Instagram 4.2.7, the latest versions of the software as of November 2013. If you're using alternative versions, some steps may vary.

About the Author

An information technology journalist since 2002, David Nield writes about the Web, technology, hardware and software. He is an experienced editor, proofreader and copywriter for online publications such as CNET, TechRadar and Gizmodo. Nield holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and lives in Manchester, England.